Joel S. Witkowski

Joel S. Witkowski, age 72 of Mentor, passed away unexpectedly on August 1, 2023 at the Cleveland Clinic Mentor Hospital. Joel was the beloved husband of, Ellen (nee Hearn); father of, Aaron Witkowski, Carly Paul, and Evan (Megan) Witkowski; grandfather of, Ella, Scarlett, Sawyer, Abigail, and Harrison; brother of, Laura Schickel, Cathy (Mike) McDonough, and Paula (Tim) Bates; brother in law of, Mike (Kate), Kit (Gus - deceased), Patrick (Kathy), Brian (Dawn); uncle of twelve; and great uncle of thirteen. He is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Monya Witkowski. Joel was born March 13, 1951 in Painesville, Ohio. Growing up down the street from Lake Erie, Joel spent all his free time at the beach. His parents encouraged all their children to swim at an early age, and generations later his gift continues with his grandchildren. A 1969 graduate and three sport athlete, Joel left his imprint at Mentor High School. He was Mentor’s first swimming National Age Group Champion in 1966. He proudly represented Mentor as the first student to receive a scholarship and compete as a Division 1 college athlete for swimming. His accomplishments were awarded recognition into the Mentor High School Hall-of-Fame in 2001. From 1969 to 1973 Joel attended Ohio University (OU) to train under the legendary swim coach, Fletcher Gilders. OU won the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Championships in 1970 and 1971. In warm-ups, his senior year, his swimming career ended at the MAC Championships with a torn muscle. Joel graduated with a degree in Journalism. At one point he took 23 credit hours to graduate on time, demonstrating how he thrived when pressure was at its highest. It was no coincidence he would find his way into the high pressure field of sales. Joel established himself as an expert of the steel industry in sales and marketing. In the midst of a declining steel industry, Joel received Comat’s Blue Suit award in 1995, as the top salesman in the company. His clients would find out how his personality drove his relationships in life. In 2000, upon return to Mentor, he reencountered his high-school sweetheart, and the love of his life, Ellen. When the inseparable couple wasn’t on stage with the Alabama Shakes, they could be found with their lovely dog(s) (Samantha, Tipperary, Fiona). Joel and Ellen would explore The Headlands Beach, Fairport Harbor, or lounge outside on their back patio. One would always be on the consistent receiving end of greeting cards from the couple, signed Joellen. You knew Joel loved you when a nickname was bestowed. Joel could never resist a good joke and had a loving sense of humor. Always a terrific host, he would offer you ice with a drink. He would proceed to tell his joke, “I would make some ice, but I lost the recipe.” In addition to singing “Rocky Top”, collecting license plates, and street signs, Joel followed every Tribe baseball game. In a tribute, on the night of his passing, the team lost a No-Hit game to Houston, his daughter’s birthplace. The family will receive friends to celebrate Joel’s life from 2-6 p.m., Saturday, August 12, 2023 at the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060. A time of prayer to conclude the gathering will begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to a charity of one’s choice in memory of Joel. Please offer condolences at www.brunners.com

Joel S. Witkowski

March 13, 1951 - August 1, 2023